Ms Eimear Murphy:

The findings from this research highlight the need for some important public policy measures. Previous research has noted the importance of a minimum age for consumption. Exposure to alcohol in adolescence can have detrimental effects on brain development and intellectual capabilities and increases the likelihood of later alcohol dependence. The current study notes that the majority of hazardous adolescent drinkers, 68.2%, were under the legal age of consumption. Therefore, off-licences and pubs should be monitored continuously. There needs to be improved policing of the law regarding under age adolescents purchasing alcohol, in addition to responsible bar staff training.

Previous research has noted the impact of advertising and marketing aimed at adolescents in their formative years. The promotion of alcohol in areas such as sport and music is becoming increasingly prevalent, and evidence shows that alcohol marketing increases the likelihood that adolescents will begin to drink, or drink more if they already consume alcohol. The protective effects of a full ban on alcohol sponsorship of sporting events have been demonstrated in previous studies. This evidence-based approach to reducing alcohol-related harm should be introduced by the Government. We are pleased to see the introduction of a minimum unit price for alcohol, as proposed in the current Bill. This has been proven to be an effective measure when tackling hazardous alcohol consumption across the population.

Over the previous number of decades, alcohol consumption has continued to increase despite public health efforts. Education campaigns were regularly favoured when tackling alcohol consumption. However, these campaigns have been shown to be ineffective. Currently, the cost to the taxpayer of hazardous alcohol consumption in Ireland is €3.7 billion annually. By introducing this Bill, the Oireachtas has the opportunity to improve the lives of Irish people. It has the opportunity to save 88 lives every month which are currently lost to alcohol-related disease. It provides us with the opportunity to protect vulnerable children affected by their parents' alcohol consumption, as seen in every community across the country. It provides us with an opportunity to make a difference.